Photographed by John R.H. Gibbons. Fijian Crested Iguana: Genus: Brachylophus Species:
vitiensis Adult size: 90cm including tail about22cm body length Adult weight:Average 350-400g
Habitat: Lives in forest trees on a small number of tiny islandsin western Fiji Surviving number:
Most prevalenton Yanduatamba Island,populationselsewhere are low, seldom exceeding 100
Wildlife as Canon sees it:
A photographic heritage for all generations.
The crested iguana was first discovered in 1979
on a tiny island, which has since been declared
Fiji's first wildlife reserve. The occurrence of the
crested iguana and its relative, the banded iguana,
on the remote and geographically isolated Fiji
islands has intrigued biologists for years. One
theory suggests that their ancestors drifted to the
South Pacific from Central or South America on
floating vegetation. The crested iguana today is
one of the world's rarest reptiles.
Nothing could bring the crested iguana back
should it vanish completely. And while photography
can record it for posterity, more importantly pho
tography can help save it and the rest of wildlife.
Photography is an invaluable research tool
which can assist scientists and conservationists in
their efforts to save the crested iguana. In addi
tion, photography is a very effective means of
communication which can inspire people's interest
in the crested iguana and promote a better under
standing of this newly found yet ancient species.
And understanding is perhaps the single most
important factor in saving the crested iguana and
all of wildlife.
r.
Canion
Images for all time